I just finished reading an article about how Twitter is essentially going to be the downfall of face-to-face communication.
To this I must say a big HAH! First of all, what is so wrong about limiting face-to-face communication, anyhow? Half the time you don't want to be standing there talking to the someone you've been forced to interact with, thereby radiating "GO.THE.FUCK.AWAY." vibes toward the person, wishing with everything inside of you that someone would call and tell you their car broke down clear on the other side of town and they desperately need your assistance, and yet you're forced to remain standing there, grinning as bright as a 100 watt light bulb, communing politely and doing your best to remain "socially acceptable". Whereas online, or in text, you have the freedom to simply not reply, set your status to "away" - politely make your excuses to go round up the child who is trying to eat the sofa cushion.. whatever.. And you won't be looked down on for it. The other half of the time, when you don't mind being there with the person you've been placed (not forced) in front of to interact with, things go so much smoother. You aren't counting off how many ugly freckles are on their nose while nodding and smiling politely. You're actually involved in the conversation, doing your best to put in your two cents where it's desired and then the two (or more) of you part on friendly and hopefully even better informed terms, leaving you anticipating (yes, actually looking forward to) seeing that person again for another face-to-face.
IMO, of course people feel more comfortable when they have a moment to digest something that was said, say - delete - resay - redelete - repeat several times, and respond to it on their own time, in their own perfectly thought out words so as not to cause any [further, possibly] conflict. Does that make us "self-absorbed" and controlling? Maybe. Probably so. But why is that a bad thing?
Mom did always say, "Think before you speak."

